The Muslim and Jewish communities in Newfoundland and Labrador announced an emergency partnership Thursday to raise money for victims of the violent conflict in the Middle East.

Money raised through the Jewish and Muslim Emergency Partnership will be donated to two sister organizations of the Red Cross — the Red Crescent and the Red Star of David.

Mahmoud Haddara, president of the province's Muslim Association, and Arnold Bennett, a leader in the local Jewish community, are spearheading the effort.

"There are people suffering, there are innocent people being affected by the war," said Haddara.

"We feel that it is a good thing to unite in trying to alleviate this suffering."

Maintaining a Newfoundland tradition

Both men are adopted Newfoundlanders, and Bennett said the generous spirit they found in the province inspired them to begin their fundraising partnership.

"It's a Newfoundland tradition that when there is a disaster, all neighbours try to get together to help," said Bennett.

"That's what we're doing here."

The two said the local Muslim and Jewish communities support the partnership.

Haddara and Bennett plan to contact other faith groups in the province over the weekend to raise awareness about their campaign and ask for donations.

At least 423 people in Lebanon and 52 in Israel have been killed since July 12, when Hezbollah guerrillas captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid and the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah began.

During the conflict Israel has pounded Hezbollah positions in Beirut and southern Lebanon, Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets into northern Israel, and Israeli troops and Hezbollah guerrillas have battled near border towns in south Lebanon.